Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has climbed to a historic 8th place in the latest FIBA Women’s World Rankings, following their record-breaking performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan.
The new ranking, announced on Thursday, sees Nigeria rise three places from 11th to 8th with 640.1 points — the highest-ever position for an African team in the history of the women’s game. This achievement cements D’Tigress’ status as the continent’s undisputed basketball powerhouse.
Their ascent comes on the back of a dominant 78–64 victory in the AfroBasket final, securing a seventh continental title and extending their remarkable unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 games since 2015. The triumph also made D’Tigress the first team — men’s or women’s — to win five consecutive AfroBasket crowns.
Global rankings shake-up
The United States remain world No. 1 with 880.9 points, ahead of Australia (719.6) and France (719.2). China (712.7) and Belgium (702.1) complete the top five, with Spain, Canada, and Nigeria rounding out the top eight.
Lithuania recorded the biggest leap among European sides, surging 14 spots to 31st after returning to the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket for the first time in a decade and reaching the quarter-finals.
Other notable movers
South Sudan made headlines by finishing third on their AfroBasket Women debut, marking a historic milestone for the nation. Lebanon climbed 13 places to 41st after their performance at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Indonesia enjoyed a 19-place rise to 60th, while Iran gained 15 places to reach 44th. Mongolia made the biggest leap of all, jumping 20 places to 70th following success in Division B of the Asia Cup.
For D’Tigress, the milestone represents more than just a number — it signals their growing influence on the global stage and positions them as genuine contenders in future FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cups and Olympic tournaments.